Cleaning blitz hits Casey

Hundreds of extra cleaners will be deployed across Casey City in a major cleaning blitz to help slow the spread of coronavirus and deliver new jobs.

The State Government announced it had created 1500 short-term positions for workers to clean public infrastructure, retail centres and shopping strips across the state to help build community confidence as the staged lifting of restrictions begins.

The four-week blitz will see cleaners disinfect and wipe down external surfaces such as street benches, handrails and door handles, traffic light buttons, poles, bicycle stands and bins.

The first group of workers have taken up their posts with advertising for the remaining jobs set to continue until all positions are filled.

“This blitz provides immediate work and wages to people who need it most, so they can pay the bills while they search for more permanent positions,” Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade Martin Pakula said.

“We’re taking the first cautious steps when it comes to easing restrictions, and the jobs that will be done as part of this program are an important part of that process.”

The cleaning blitz is part of the Government’s $500 million Working for Victoria initiative, which aims to create employment for people who have lost work as a result of the coronavirus pandemic while delivering a valuable community service.

Almost 3000 Victorians have found positions through since the program was launched last month, providing a quick return to work and access to training where required.

The 1500 workers will also be deployed across 10 regional and 26 suburban communities.

Minister for Local Government Adem Somyurek said: “Local councils have a vital role to play in supporting communities as we look cautiously to the other side of the

pandemic – that’s why we’re working with them to pinpoint the right areas for this cleaning blitz.”

For more information on Working for Victoria and to register, go to vic.gov.au/workingforvictoria.